Is It Time to Retire the Term “Great Resignation”?

The phrase “the great resignation” has been used to describe several high-profile departures, but is it time to retire the term? Some say that the word is no longer accurate, given the number of resignations that have taken place in recent years. 

Others argue that the phrase still applies, as the current political landscape is full of surprises. 

We are coming up on a whole year since the pandemic shut down much of the economy and began to do significant damage to the job market. Since then, speculations have been made about the “Great Resignation,” i.e., workers leaving their jobs in droves, causing recruiters to scramble.

What Is the Great Resignation and How Was It Used in Business?

The Great Resignation refers to an executive’s decision to step down from their position. Although the phrase has been used for centuries, it is mostly associated with recent high-profile resignations, such as David Cameron and Michael Flynn. 

The word is particularly pertinent, given that we are experiencing a period of surprising changes in politics and business, with several unexpected decisions being made.

What Are Some of the Problems with Using the Term Great Resignation?

The phrase Great Resignation implies a certain amount of greatness in resigning from one’s post. However, this term might be slightly outdated considering the number of high-profile individuals who have resigned from their positions recently. 

Some would claim that it does not accurately describe these departures, given that many of them have occurred unexpectedly. Should the term Great Resignation be retired?

Is It True That People Are “Retiring Early” These Days?

It likely means they’ve decided to leave their jobs, perhaps even permanently. Maybe because they have enough saved up. They probably have an excellent idea for a new business, or perhaps they want more time with family and less time in meetings. But the term “retirement” is meaningful only in context: it refers to a special status defined by age, income level, and other factors.

So What Exactly Is This “Great Resignation” That People Are Talking About?

There are many reasons to retire early — some more valid than others — but ultimately, what matters most is whether you can afford it. 

For example, if you’re leaving your job, it means that you won’t be receiving a monthly paycheck anymore. So, how do plan on paying your bills? How will you pay for your health insurance? And what about saving for retirement? Unless you have a huge trust fund that just matured, or won a lottery, there are very few ways you can guarantee all these things to go by smoothly without any job or stable source of income. 

Finding a Better Way to Describe the Great Resignation

Rather than using the term Great Resignation to describe all these departures and high employee turnover, it might be more appropriate to use a range of different phrases. In addition, it would perhaps offer a broader lens to view past and future resignations. 

For example, those resignations that occur due to career progression could be referred to as “planned resignations.” Those that occur unexpectedly could be referred to as “unexpected resignations” or “forced resignations.” We can also refer to them as post-pandemic resignation. By using alternative words for this wave of several notable resignations, we can highlight the reasons and impacts of it. Using different terms creates a more sensible and appropriate set of descriptions for these high-profile departures.

Why Is It Essential to Have Accurate Language When Describing Resignations?

The language we use to describe resignations can be powerful. It can influence the narrative of a discussion and how an individual decides to participate in that discussion. 

In this way, we must have the appropriate words and phrases at our disposal to accurately reflect what happens. So, for example, “great resignation” focuses on one aspect of these departures but doesn’t paint the whole picture. 

The use of different phrases might provide us with an accurate description to help us understand resignations better. 

Another great way is to look up alternate words that best describe your scenario. Doing your homework can be conducive, and the internet is a whirlpool of knowledge. All you need is a stable internet connection. So you need to find best internet service provider nearby your place. Well, Windstream internet offers fantastic plans designed for your consumption. 

What Are Some Possible Replacements for the Term Great Resignation?

One replacement for the term Great Resignation might be “forced resignation.” This period is often associated with Sean Spicer’s decision to step down as White House Press Secretary following Donald Trump’s appointment with Anthony Scaramucci.

Although the phrase “planned resignation” might also be appropriate, it does not have quite the same ring as “forced resignation.” 

Therefore, it might be more suitable for planned resignations and career progression. That way, forced resignations communicate the correct interpretation where the individual resigning is forced to leave their position.

What Is the General Effect of These Words and Phrases?

The use of these phrases ensures that we take an “all-around view,” allowing us to investigate a broader range of elements throughout the process of departure. Using a range of terms rather than one can help increase public understanding and awareness around high-profile resignations. 

Consequently, helping us make objective and informed judgments about the dynamics of these situations, so we can gain a better insight into what is happening.

Conclusion

The phrase “great resignation” might be acceptable in limited cases but not everywhere. Furthermore, it doesn’t portray an accurate picture of what is happening. Therefore, changing the term can help people get a better idea.